If you’re searching for an irresistibly savory, simple, and totally crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These juicy chicken bites are marinated in garlicky olive oil, dusted with fragrant Italian herbs, and air-fried to golden perfection, with a generous shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. It’s a recipe that brings that classic, cheesy, garlicky goodness to your table with hardly any fuss, making it the ultimate answer to easy weeknight dinners or friendly gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of straightforward, vibrant ingredients, each one serves a special purpose in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials come together to create juicy, golden chicken topped with an unbeatable cheesy finish—what’s not to love?
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tender bites every time.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps every bit of seasoning stick to the chicken, keeping it juicy in the air fryer.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic flavor from the inside out.
- Salt: Simple but crucial for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning nicely.
- Italian Seasoning: Delivers a blend of herbs for classic Mediterranean flair in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and sprinkled at the end for that unmistakable nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and added right before serving for freshness and a pop of color.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: The vehicle for threading and cooking your chicken—just soak wooden skewers if using to prevent burning.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start things off by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken cubes, making sure each piece is coated evenly with all that flavorful goodness. The longer you let this marinate (an hour or two in the fridge works wonders), the more robust and garlicky your skewers will taste, but even a quick toss before threading is delicious!
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Once your chicken is seasoned, thread the cubes onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving just a bit of space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate. This small step makes a big difference—the chicken will crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. This ensures the chicken starts sizzling as soon as it hits the basket, locking in those savory juices and setting the stage for that irresistible golden exterior.
Step 4: Air Fry the Skewers
Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is beautifully golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley
As soon as the skewers come out of the fryer, shower them generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. The cheese melts slightly onto the hot chicken, mingling with the herbs and garlic for a knockout finishing touch. Serve them right away, while they’re sizzling and fragrant.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Don’t forget those last, all-important flourishes! Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and just a bit more grated Parmesan over the skewers just before serving. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness if you like that zippy, fresh twist.
Side Dishes
These skewers work like a charm alongside a crisp green salad, roasted or air fried veggies, or a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb feast. For something heartier, pair with garlic bread or herbed potatoes—the flavor combo is out of this world.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, nestle the skewers over a platter of salad greens or a vibrant grain bowl. Stand them upright in a mason jar or serve on mini skewers for charming appetizers. However you style them, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bring the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Transfer skewers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, remove the chicken pieces from the skewers and spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to grab just what you need. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and the edges get a little crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, though the chicken may lose a bit of its tasty exterior crunch.
FAQs
What type Main Course
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese straight from the block gives the richest flavor and melts beautifully over the hot chicken, but pre-grated will work if you’re short on time—just avoid the powdery, shelf-stable kind for best results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a juicy and flavorful alternative. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the recipe as written—cooking time may need an extra minute or two.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps keep them from burning in the hot air fryer and makes for easier handling, too.
What sauces go well with these skewers?
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are wonderful with zesty marinara, creamy ranch, or a homemade garlic aioli. Even a squeeze of fresh lemon is enough to make the flavors pop—don’t be shy about experimenting!
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Definitely! Assemble and marinate the chicken earlier in the day and keep the skewers refrigerated. When it’s party time, just cook them in batches in your air fryer, finish with Parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a total game changer—quick to prep, full of bold, comforting flavors, and endlessly versatile for meals or parties. If you haven’t tried this simple yet spectacular recipe, now’s the time. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to these unforgettable skewers!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a garlic-infused olive oil mixture, then air-fried to crispy perfection and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken and coat evenly.
- Thread Chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Place skewers in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish: Once cooked, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the garlic olive oil mixture for 1–2 hours before air frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
